BSP cuts rates to 4.75%, lowest since September 2022

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may continue reducing interest rates as the new ‘goldilocks rate’ for key policy rates is now expected to be below 5 percent.

On Thursday, the Monetary Board decided to reduce policy rates by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent. This is the lowest policy rate recorded by the country since September 2022 when rates were raised by 50 basis points to 4.25 percent.

The goldilocks rate or ‘sweet spot’ for policy rates, Remolona said, may be closer to 4 percent now compared to the initial assessment of 5 percent. Given this, the Monetary Board is keen on continuing its easing cycle.

‘We now think the gap is wider than we thought. In light of new research, we have also shifted our estimate of the goldilocks rate. We believe it could be lower than before, giving us more room to reduce the policy rate,’ Remolona said.

‘Early on, we see more scope for more accommodative monetary policy. The favorable inflation outlook and moderating domestic demand provide room for monetary policy to further support economic growth and employment,’ he added.

Based on the latest inflation estimates, the BSP has maintained its inflation outlook of 1.7 percent in 2025, but adjusted downward its forecasts for inflation next year and next year.

Initially, BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald Abenoja said inflation was estimated to average 3.3 percent next year but given the latest projects, this is now down to 3.1 percent.

For 2027, Abenoja said inflation was initially set at 3.4 percent but after today’s policy meeting, the BSP has reduced this to only 2.8 percent.

‘We now find [the] inflation outlook to be quite benign. Inflation expectations remain well upward, but adjustments to electricity rates and possible increases in tariffs on rice imports pose some risks. But these risks look limited,’ Remolona said.

In terms of growth rates, Abenoja said, growth will likely be at the low end of the government’s targets at 5.5 percent this year and 6 percent next year and in 2027.

Remolona said this growth outlook was affected by governance concerns surrounding public infrastructure spending, which has weighed on business sentiment.

He noted that the stock market has declined and that there are now fewer companies with expansion plans. He also noted that there were days when both the stock market declined and the peso depreciated at the same time, which signified that investors were leaving.

Nonetheless, Remolona said, the BSP is not going to intervene in the foreign exchange market ‘against those [out]flows.’ ‘We would defend the peso, when we think that the depreciation is so sharp and so large that we think it could be highly inflationary,’ he also said.

In a statement, BSP said potential electricity rate adjustments and possible increases in tariffs on rice imports could add some upward pressures. Nonetheless, the risks to the inflation outlook are limited as price pressures are expected to ease.

The Monetary Board likewise noted that the outlook for domestic economic growth has weakened. This outlook reflected in part the impact on business confidence of governance concerns about public infrastructure spending. Indications of moderating demand also reflect lingering uncertainty from the external environment.

On balance, the Monetary Board sees scope for a more accommodative monetary policy stance. The favorable inflation outlook and moderating domestic demand provide room to further support economic activity.

As the impact of earlier policy action works through the economy, the BSP will remain attentive to emerging risks while maintaining price stability conducive to sustainable growth and employment.

Cebu provincial government allots ?508 million for rehab

THE provincial government of Cebu is set to release total of P508 million in recovery and rehabilitation funds to be used for the 12 quake-hit local governments in the northern portion of the province.

This was announed by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.

Of the amount P120 million will be given to the 12 local governments (P10 million pesos each) for their infrastructure and rehabilitation.

AnotherP38 million will also be given to them atP3 million pesos for each town P5 million pesos for Bogo City, the ground zero of the tremblor.

Baricuatro added that another P350 million will also be released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and bridges.

The provincial government will also allocate the P200 million for each affected locl government, whose funds come from the Office of the President under the local government support fund.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces cited that following a rapid assessment from their provincial engineers, they have identified a total ofP100 million worth in infrastructure damage which include major bridges and roads.

Empaces said the governor has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to take care of the national roads and bridges while they also take care of the repairs for the provincial roads and bridges that are worth P13 million pesos and below.

Power in the 12 affected localities have been 100 percent restored five days after the earthquake.

Water supply has also been restored but some areas in Bogo City and Tabuelan will still experience water supply concerns since their water distributions system are still undergoing repairs.

Task force

Task Force Kumbati Cebu (Fight Cebu) was also activated to address the housing and other needs for the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

The task force aims to centralize all recovery and rehabilitation efforts to involve the mayors of the affected localities.

This will include the discussion on relocation of those families whose houses were deemed unsafe and what proper housing assistance will be given to them.

The provincial government has identified 4,826 totally damaged houses and 45,285 partially damaged houses.

Baricuatro said they have tapped former governor Hilario Davide III to be an advisor for the task force with the private sector sitting as co-chairman.

She said she wants to ensure accountability of all their efforts including the donations coming from the private sector.

Japan closely monitoring PHL anti-corruption probe

JAPAN is closely monitoring the Philippine government’s ongoing anti-corruption investigation into flood control projects, a senior official from the Japanese Embassy said.

Naobumi Yokota, Minister for Economic Affairs at the Japanese Embassy in Manila, said that, so far, no Japanese-funded infrastructure projects in the country have been linked to the corruption allegations.

‘Japan continuously reviews the implementation of its Official Development Assistance [ODA] in the Philippines,’ Yokota told members of the Rotary Club of Manila during a regular meeting on Thursday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier revealed that funds intended as the Philippine government’s counterpart for ODA projects were allegedly diverted to budget insertions backed by lawmakers for the 2025 national budget. He warned that some ODA-funded projects could be at risk of cancellation due to the lack of local counterpart funding.

Japan remains the Philippines’ top ODA donor, supporting major infrastructure initiatives such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway.

Yokota said Japan welcomes the Philippine government’s efforts to investigate and address corruption.

He also noted that during a bilateral ministerial meeting held in September, Japan affirmed its commitment to continue supporting ODA projects in the pipeline.

‘We understand that the Philippines is working to reallocate its budget for appropriate use. This will certainly help facilitate the ODA assistance that Japan provides,’ Yokota said.

He added that, to date, Tokyo and other Japanese stakeholders have not raised any concerns regarding the corruption issues surrounding Philippine infrastructure projects.

Araneta to sell PhilWeb stake

Gregorio Araneta Inc. will exit gaming firm PhilWeb Corp. as Nexora Holdings Inc. and Velora Holdings Inc. will purchase its shares at a huge discount.

In its disclosure, the company said it will sell all of its 57-percent stake in Philweb to the two firms for P1.8 billion.

Gregorio Ma. Araneta III is the current CEO of PhilWeb.

The deal would include 829.57 million common shares which will be sold for P2.17 apiece, or a discount of 46 percent from its Thursday’s closing price of P4.06.

Araneta’s shares were purchased from the late Roberto Ongpin.

As the acquisition involves control of more than 35 percent of the outstanding voting shares of PhilWeb, the buyers are expected to conduct a mandatory tender offer for all other shares that it do not own.

‘The buyers are expected to comply with this requirement within the period prescribed by law,’ the disclosure read.

Nexora and Velora are domestic holding companies duly organized and existing under Philippine law, established to acquire, hold, own, dispose of, exchange, or otherwise invest in securities, properties and related assets, with full rights of ownership, including voting rights.

‘None of the buyers is engaged in securities brokering, portfolio management for third-party clients, public solicitation of investments, or the issuance of investment contracts.’

PhilWeb’s current president and director, Edgar Brian K. Ng, is also the current president, chairman and director of Nexora, while PhilWeb Vice Chairman and Director Crisanto Roy B. Alcid is also a director and the treasurer of Nexora.

Certain of PhilWeb’s incumbent directors, meanwhile, will have to resign and be replaced by nominees of the buyer, subject to qualifications and compliance with the applicable law.

Completion of the transaction may result in an increase in the corporation’s foreign ownership levels to 40 percent from the current 4.9 percent.

‘As the corporation does not own land or is not engaged in a nationalized activity, any such increase will not impact Philweb’s compliance with foreign capital ownership limitations under applicable law,’ the company said.

PhilWeb has a license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to launch e-Games Stations, which are Internet cafes exclusively dedicated to casino games. With technology provided by the company, patrons can choose from more than 300 casino games, including baccarat, blackjack, various slot machine games, video poker and sports betting.

There are currently 288 operating e-Games cafes across the country, majority of which are owned and operated by independent operators.

Its units include BigGame Inc., PhilWeb Capital Corp., Easy e-Bingo Inc., NDM Entities, UMIAC Inc. and XO Corp.

PBA scribes name SMB 6th man Trollano as Mr. Quality Minutes

AS one of the spearheads of San Miguel Beer’s bench mob, Don Trollano’s effort has finally paid off.

The 33-year-old guard will be recognized as Mr. Quality Minutes in the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps 31st Annual Awards Night on Monday at the Novotel Manila.

Trollano averaged 9.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists coming off the bench for the Beermen and was one of the major players in San Miguel Beer regaining the Philippine Cup title last season.

He became the sixth Beerman to be bestowed with the honor that is equivalent to the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Past recipients of the award from San Miguel Beer were Bong Alvarez, the late Boybits Victoria, Chris Calaguio, Terrence Romeo and Jericho Cruz.

Sharing the spotlight with Trollano during the gala night are members of the All-Rookie Team led by Rookie of the Year winner RJ Abarrientos of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Joining Abarrientos in the team are fellow Rookie of the Year official candidates Sedrick Barefield (Blackwater), Caelan Tiongson (Rain or Shine), Kai Ballungay (Phoenix) and the duo of Jordan Heading (TNT/Converge) and Justine Baltazar (Converge).

Heading and Baltazar came short of the percentage of games (70-percent) they’re required to play in their respective team’s games, but made huge impact for them to be considered for the award being handed out by the men and women who regularly cover the PBA beat.

The 6-foot-9 Baltazar, the No. 1 overall pick in last season’s draft, averaged a double-double of 12.2 points and 10.1 rebounds, while dishing off 2.2 assists for the FiberXers, who came close to making a first ever semis stint during the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.

Heading, who belonged to Rookie Class of 2020, meanwhile, normed 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds while splitting time playing for Converge (Commissioner’s Cup) and TNT (Philippine Cup) as he made his long-awaited debut in the league.

The Filipino-Australian guard was a leading contender for the Best Player of the Conference during the mid-season tournament, and then played in his first ever Finals with the Tropang 5G during the All-Filipino conference.

Named awardees earlier by the Press Corps are Arvin Tolentino (Scoring Champion) and Calvin Oftana (Order of Merit).

DOTr resolves 6 right-of-way roadblocks for North-South Commuter Railway project

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday it has successfully cleared right-of-way (ROW) issues in six critical locations along the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that the six cleared properties are located in Clark International Airport, SM Clark, Barangay Pulungbulo in Angeles City, Barangay Sto. Niño in San Fernando, Barangay San Vicente in Apalit, and Barangay Iba Este in Calumpit.

‘We extend our gratitude to the local government units in these critical areas where we will construct the NSCR, particularly those in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San Fernando, Apalit, Minalin, Sto. Tomas, Calumpit, Malolos, and the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, for their invaluable support and cooperation in making this project possible,’ Lopez said.

He also expressed confidence that all ROW requirements for the NSCR’s northern section from Malolos to Clark will be completed by mid-2026. The agency also targets to complete ROW acquisition for nine stations on the southern section by December 2025. These include stations in Biñan, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, EDSA, Sucat, Muntinlupa, FTI, Blumentritt, and Sta. Mesa.

Lopez added that the agency is also fast-tracking utility relocation for the NSCR’s southern segment by December 2025, alongside the Banlic Depot, with ROW acquisition already reaching 98 percent completion.

‘Minamadali na talaga natin ang right of way at konstruksyon ng ating railway ayon sa direktiba ng Pangulong Marcos,’ he said.

Stretching roughly 147 km from Clark through Metro Manila to Calamba, the NSCR is the government’s flagship commuter rail and is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) under a parallel collaboration arrangement.

Currently, the project has a completion rate of 32.4 percent. Full operations are expected for 2032.

FOREVER ENCHANTED | Enchanted Kingdom celebrates three decades of Magic

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, proudly marks its 30th Anniversary with a grand celebration on October 18 and 19, Saturday and Sunday. The premier theme park is working their magic to celebrate three decades of magical memories with an unforgettable concert series and festive surprises that promise to leave everyone forever enchanted.

The two-day festivities will feature the EK’s first-ever projection mapping show, Wheel of Fate: The Magical Journey of Eldar the Wizard. Guests will also enjoy the Echoes of Enchantment Grand Parade, a special showcase of EK’s beloved Storyverse characters led by the iconic Eldar the Wizard. These nighttime spectacles will start at 6:00 in the evening.

Gabi ng Saribuhay: An Enchanting Filipino Concert

On the night of October 18, Enchanted Kingdom proudly welcomes homegrown talents back to its stage for a star-studded anniversary celebration.

Returning are former EK performers who have made their mark in the entertainment industry-powerhouse vocalist Gigi de Lana and Sinag Maynila 2025 Best Actress and Sparkle diva, Rita Daniela. Adding more magic to the evening is acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rob Deniel who will captivate guests with his music. The night will be made even more enchanting with the majestic performance of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country’s premier orchestras.

Also joining the celebration are Mauie Francisco and Mitzi Casacop-both former EK performers as well and now GMA Sparkle artists-who will give a special performance in an exclusive event.

The first night of the celebration will end with a grand The Magic of Saribuhay: A Pyromusic Spectacle.

The Next Chapter of Enchantment

On October 19, the Forever Enchanted Live: EK’s 30th Anniversary Concert will take center stage featuring one of OPM’s most iconic bands, Parokya ni Edgar and this generation’s top band Cup of Joe. Alternative rock band Over October will bring fresh energy to the celebration.

Capping off the festivities, the Memories of Magic: Sky Wizardry EKstravaganza will light up the night sky with a breathtaking pyromusical show, commemorating Enchanted Kingdom’s three decades of creating magical memories that last a lifetime for all Filipinos.

AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY and Space Shuttle Re-opening

One of the major highlights of Enchanted Kingdom’s 30th Anniversary celebration is the reopening of AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines. Reinforcing the park’s commitment to sustainability, the attraction offers guests an educational and fully immersive journey through an enhanced film that showcases the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and natural wonders.

‘SARIBUHAY is more than just an experience-it is a powerful call to action,’ said Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, Chief Operating Officer of Enchanted Kingdom. ‘Beyond its mission to promote the beauty of the Philippines and drive tourism, AGILA reminds us of the urgent need to conserve the environment and protect our wildlife.’

Dr. Mamon also emphasized that admission to the majestic flying theater is already included in the park’s regular day pass, as part of EK’s Education Program. ‘Enchanted Kingdom welcomes 600,000 students each year as we offer EK as an alternative classroom where they can learn through our Physics Behind the Rides and our Botany in the Park, among others. With AGILA the EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, we want to be able to contribute in ensuring that our next generation of leaders are equipped with awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity,’ she furthered.

Plus, thrill-seekers have even more to look forward to as the iconic Space Shuttle makes its highly anticipated comeback this October-now reimagined with an immersive thematic experience and enhanced ride system technology, ensuring an even safer, smoother, and more exhilarating adventure with every twist and turn.

Enchanting New Songs

True to its aspiration in cultivating Filipino talent, EK’s homegrown P-pop girl group, SMS has released their new original song, Forever Enchanted. EK’s premier all-male vocal group Kingsmen has also released their own music, Enchanting Memories.

New Anniversary Merchandise and Food Offerings

As part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, Enchanted Kingdom will also delight guests with exclusive food offerings crafted especially for this milestone year. Families and friends can look forward to indulging in limited-edition treats such as Agila Pops macarons, PanSisig crispy noodles, Biggie Burrito, Soy Good Chicken, and the playful Dino Surprise.

EK has released commemorative shirts featuring the park’s iconic rides, as well as new AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY merchandise. The beloved prehistoric-themed concept store for kids, Stone Age, is also back – giving guests more ways to celebrate and bring home a piece of Enchanted Kingdom magic.

’Run as One’ in PHL Girl Scouts 85th anniversary

THE Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) marks its 85th anniversary with a milestone celebration-‘Run as One: 85 Years in the Running’ Fun Run-on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

The fun-filled event gathers Girl Scouts, alumnae, families and friends from all over the country to celebrate 85 years of empowering girls and young women to become leaders and agents of change.

The fun run features distances of 850 meters, 5 kms, 8 kms and 13 kms symbolizing GSP’s 85 years of continuous service and sisterhood.

Each participant will receive a race kit that includes a race singlet, rucksack, race bib, finisher medal, finisher shirt (for 8K and 13K only) and freebies.

More than a fitness event, the fun run also serves as a reminder of the values of unity, perseverance, and community that remain at the heart of the Girl Scouting movement.

For inquiries and confirmation of attendance, please contact Peachie Rama at 09190814675 or email at communicationsgsp@gmail.com.

The GSP is a non-stock, non-profit, non-partisan organization chartered under the Philippine Congress in 1940 and for 85 years, it has empowered girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens and leaders through the Girl Scouting Program.

DepEd enhances disaster preparedness, resilience in education after Cebu quake

The Department of Education (DepEd) has reinforced its disaster preparedness and response systems through the deployment of rapid assessment teams and the launch of new tools and facilities aimed at strengthening education resilience, following 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, said that President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed to protect learners and that learning shall continue.

‘Kailangan nating masiguro na makakaresponde ang ating mga paaralan na protektahan ang mga mag-aaral at maipagpatuloy ang edukasyon bago, habang, at matapos ang anumang sakuna,’ Angara said.

According to DepEd Region VII Director Salustiano Jimenez, the total damage to schools across the province is projected to exceed P1 billion, with more than 50,000 learners and over 1,400 teaching and non-teaching personnel affected, including nearly 900 in Bogo City.

As response efforts continue, DepEd is also shifting its focus from rapid relief to long-term preparedness.

PlanSmart for Safe Schools

Among its major initiatives is PlanSmart for Safe Schools, a web-based contingency planning application developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) and the World Bank.

The platform integrates hazard and risk data from the GeoRiskPH system, enabling schools to create evidence-based contingency plans aligned with the standards of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

A series of training sessions for the project will begin in November 2025 for 3,012 schools in the Greater Metro Manila area, before its nationwide rollout to build the capacity of school heads and DRRM coordinators.

M7X School Ready Program

In addition, DepEd will pilot the M7X School Ready Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening earthquake preparedness in public schools and DepEd offices.

Recognizing the imminent threat of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake along the West Valley Fault (WVF), the program introduces a certification system that awards the M7.2 Ready School Seal to schools that complete the checklist on both structural safety and non-structural preparedness.

The pilot phase will prioritize schools in Metro Manila, Region III, and Region IV-A that are situated along or near the WVF.

Manual promoting resilient design

DepEd also introduced the Pillar 1: Safer Learning Facilities Guidebook, a reference manual promoting resilient design, safe site selection, and maintenance practices in line with the Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) Frameworkand the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Developed in collaboration with UNICEF and Good Neighbors International Philippines, the guidebook empowers schools to adopt inclusive, climate-resilient, and child-safe construction standards.

Upgraded Temporary Learning Spaces

To sustain learning in disaster-affected areas, DepEd also rolled out Upgraded Temporary Learning Spaces (UTLS)-improved modular classrooms designed to support continued education while permanent school structures undergo repair or reconstruction.

These initiatives were featured during the National DRRM x CCA Summit 2025 held in Makati City this October, with the theme ‘EduResilience 2025: Strengthening Learning Continuity and Climate Resilience in Basic Education.’

‘Ang kahandaan ang pundasyon ng katatagan. Kapag may sapat na kagamitan, pagsasanay, at pasilidad ang ating mga paaralan, makakatiyak tayo na magpapatuloy ang pag-aaral kahit sa gitna ng sakuna,’ Angara added.

Remulla promises action on flood control ghost projects, Pharmally case review

NEWLY-APPOINTED Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has assured that graft and other related cases may be filed before the Sandiganbayan in the coming weeks against those involved in the multi-billion anomalous flood control projects.

Remulla, who took his oath on Thursday before Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, told reporters that investigators are determined to build strong cases against the perpetrators of the massive corruption involving government projects.

‘We’re really just making sure the case is airtight because we don’t want to be the reason for any delay. So, the timeline will depend on that,’ Remulla said.

‘But, likely within the next few weeks, when we file, we’ll be ready for trial. We’re at the preliminary investigation stage now. But it’s moving forward,’ he added.

Remulla said he would be prioritizing the resolution of cases to be filed in relation to anomalous flood control projects involving officials of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWH).

‘I think we need to focus on that, conduct case build-up, and make sure that well-prepared cases are file either before the Sandiganbayan or the Regional Trial Court, depending on the jurisdiction,’ he explained.

Remulla also said that he has already secured the commitment of the Supreme Court through acting Chief Justice Leonen for the conduct of continuous trials involving flood control projects.

‘We want these cases to proceed smoothly,’ he stressed.

When asked if the Ombudsman will not spare even relatives of President Ferdinand Marcos who will be found to be involved in these anomalies, Remulla said: ‘We don’t have a choice, evidence is evidence. Can we ignore the evidence if it exists? That’s our challenge, to produce the evidence.’

Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, cousin of the President, is under investigation after being accused of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects.

At the same time, Remulla said he would look into ‘forgotten’ and aging cases pending before the Office of the Ombudsman such as the Pharmally case.

Former senator and chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Richard Gordon during the 18th Congress earlier urged Remulla to reopen the case which involves the alleged anomalous transfer of P421.4billion COVID funds from the Department of Health to the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service for the purchase of P8.6 billion worth of face masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment during the pandemic.

Gordon expressed belief that former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, for alleged crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody anti-illegal drug war, can still be held liable for the anomaly.

Former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao and Pharmally official Lin Weixiong have been charged with graft before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the controversy.

It was determined by Remulla’s predecessor, former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, that the funds were transferred during the period of March to December 2020 to PS-DBM to outsource DOH’s procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies and equipment without compliance with the requirements imposed by law. Martires noted that the rules only allow outsourcing of procurement tasks to another government agency for the purpose of hastening the project implementation.

However, the former Ombudsman pointed out that the arrangement resulted in a more complicated process which was inconsistent with the purpose to hasten project implementation.

‘We will look into that because it seems to have been forgotten, buried and left-behind. But, this kind of case should not be forgotten. We know there was a lot of noise around it and many believe something wrong, happened,’ Remulla said.

The Senate held hearings, but nothing progressed from there, so we need to revisit it,’ he added.

Remulla, however, would not say if the review would cover the possible culpability of Duterte, noting that this would depend on the evidence.

‘I’m not sure yet. Actually, I was not able to follow the hearings closely. But of course, it comes up in other forums I’ve been part of. We’re aware of what happened in many ways. But, responsibility will always depend on the evidence. It always comes down to evidence,’ he explained.

In his message before administering Remulla’s oath, Justice Leonen urged Remulla to prioritize cases that would address corruption in the country.

‘And may you have the wisdom to find and give priority to the strategic cases and issues that would lead to fundamental reform and rid corruption from our society,’ Justice Leonen said.

Leonen also disclosed that the Court en banc has agreed to create a working committee that will conduct an inventory of all projects within the judiciary that have been contracted to and implemented by the DPWH, if any.